In pictures: ‘Last Saturday’ parade in Armagh

Parades were held in six locations across Northern Ireland today by the Royal Black Institution.

It has been estimated that 17,000 members of the institution from almost 370 preceptories will demonstrate in Rathfriland, Armagh, Londonderry, Ballyclare, Larne and Donemana.

Sons of Ulster Moygashel performing at the Royal Black Institution Last Saturday parade

The city of Armagh today hosted its first demonstration on the Last Saturday for 10 years.

Sixty preceptories and 60 bands took part in the parade.

Robert Dane, Assistant Sovereign Grand Master, speaking at Armagh, said it was his privilege “to bring to you fraternal greetings from the Most Worshipful Sovereign Grand Master, Officers and Sir Knights of the Imperial Grand Black Chapter of the British

Commonwealth and from my own County Grand Black Chapter of Fermanagh”.

He said many are aware “that the Grand Black Chapter of the Unites States of America became dormant a number of years ago, due to a decline in membership”.

“You may also be aware that just over three years ago four new Preceptories were formed there, working under the Grand Black Chapter of Canada since then,” he added. “It is now my great pleasure to announce that I had the honour and privilege, together with your County Grand Master, Deputy County Grand Master and other Senior Officers, of being present and occupying the Deputy Chair at a meeting of Grand Council in Baltimore”.

He said soon after a new Preceptory was formed.

He said it is “wonderful to see the Institution flourishing again in that part of the world”.